Grey Skies: Clouds, Drizzle, Weekend Rain Ahead

Current Conditions: A Blanket of Clouds

A vast stratus field stretches across the region, leaving Iowa under thick, gray skies. The overcast layer extends as far as the northern Ozarks and central Nebraska, with no clearing anticipated until at least Saturday. A small break in the cloud cover is visible over parts of southern and eastern Wisconsin, but for Iowans, it’s cloudy weather all the way.

Drizzle and Mist on the Horizon

As southwest winds slowly pull more moisture into the region tonight through Thursday night, expect intermittent light drizzle and mist to develop.

Temperatures: Generally at or above freezing, reducing concerns about icy conditions.

Exceptions: A low probability (<20%) exists for temperatures to remain below freezing in northeast Iowa late tonight or early Thursday morning, which could cause brief slick spots if drizzle develops.

Fortunately, precipitation amounts will be minimal—less than a hundredth of an inch—and significant impacts are not anticipated.

Friday: Rain Returns

By Thursday night, a low-pressure system will move into eastern Oklahoma, later tracking over Missouri and interacting with a second, deeper trough. For Iowa, this means:

Rain Chances: The first wave of rain will arrive Thursday night, with a second, more prolonged round lasting through Friday and into Friday night.

Temperatures: Above freezing, so all precipitation should fall as rain.

Rainfall Totals: Light, around 0.25–0.33 inches overall.

While impacts will be minimal, the period will feel damp and gloomy, so plan accordingly for a wet end to the workweek.

Weekend Respite?

The weekend could bring a brief break as the late-week trough exits to the east. With high-pressure influence and zonal steering flow, clearing skies are possible, but low-level flow remains uncertain. Don’t pack away your rain gear just yet.

Looking Ahead: Next Week’s System

Early next week, a stronger 500 mb shortwave is expected to move out of the Rockies, deepening over the Midwest by Monday. However, the track of this system remains uncertain:

GFS Model: Brings the system directly over Iowa, increasing precipitation chances.

EC Model: Tracks it further south over Missouri and Arkansas, leaving Iowa mostly dry.

GEM Model: Offers a compromise, suggesting partial precipitation over southern Iowa.

For now, expect 20–40% precipitation chances over southern Iowa Monday into Monday night, with more details as model consensus improves.

What to Keep in Mind

Drizzle and Mist: Minimal but persistent tonight through Thursday night.

Rain: Expect a soggy Friday, though impacts will be low.

Weekend: A potential for clearing skies, though uncertainty remains.

Early Next Week: Stay tuned for updates as the next system approaches.